The Governance Hub website provides a wealth of information about governance in the voluntary and community sector. A range of publications are available to download from the site, including:

The Governance Hub commissioned Co-operatives UK to produce this on-line guide about the common organisational and legal structures, including newer forms outlined in the Charities Act 2006: Community Interest Companies and Charitable Incorporated Organisations.

Downloadable pdf (73kb). This easy to read fact sheet is provided by Voluntary Action Sheffield’s legal adviser.

Downloadable pdf (28kb). Another easy to read fact sheet from Voluntary Action Sheffield’s legal adviser aimed at new groups needing to constitute themselves for the first time.

This link provides detailed information on:
- Things to think about before setting up a new charity
- governing Document
- Approved governing Documents
- Model Governing Documents
- Example Objects
- Registration Pack
- CRB disclosures
- Associated Publications
- FAQ

Companies House is the government body responsible for administering and enforcing the requirements of the Companies Act 1985 and the updating legislation contained in the Companies Act 1989. It incorporates and dissolves limited companies; examines and stores company information delivered under the Companies Act and related legislation; and makes this information available to the public.

Links to introductory and expert guidance on setting up as a company.

Groups wanting to register as a company can now use this new form of company designed specifically for organisations set up with social or public benefit aims. Searches for existing Community Interest Companies can be made from the website.

Downloadable pdf (65kb) guide to Community Interest Companies.

Samples of model constitutions for Community Interest Companies are available from the above link.

Visit this site for a new series of resources available for download - recordings of short interviews with trustees, advisers and chief executives on a range of governance topics. The first here is a conversation with Charlie Cattell, legal structures adviser. He discusses CICs, CIOs and his personal views on the importance of the right legal structure in good governance.

This on line guidance outlines the various legal forms a social enterprise might use.

This downloadable pdf (4,093kb) guide provides basic definitions, some more detailed information and case studies surrounding the legal and financial aspects of social enterprise.